After a poor workout in Kenpo X, followed by a day off yesterday, there was a tiny feeling of doubt starting to set in. Not enough to really faze me, but enough to ask the question “why am I not pushing it hard?” Well, today that little bit of doubt was squashed with a solid Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, and ARX set.

Yesterday, after work, I decided to get a good workout in at the gym to make up for not do anything in the morning. My concern last night was I did a little too much and would be feeling it today during my P90X workout. Sure enough, there was a little soreness. It didn’t impact the routine too much, however, I was only able to match the number of sets I did last week during the routine.

Tony’s advice for this workout is to make sure the last three sets are really tough and make sure you are feeling the burn. I can say I was feeling the burn on the last three for a majority of the workout. I was happy to be back in action and on track with the system. I am looking forward to Plyo tomorrow and I am also toying with the idea of doing doubles for a few weeks. There are only a few weeks left in the fitness challenge at work and I really want to maximize my weight loss. I will be researching Doubles tonight to try and make up my mind.

It’s a new phase of P90X and there is a new burn. Back and Biceps today felt like ALL biceps with some back.  I upgraded my curl weights to 25 lbs and for lawnmowers I use a 50 lb weight. The new weights combined with a new workout made for a new kind of burn. My arms were very tight during the workout, but I was happy with the burn and I am feeling the results.

I was running late today so I had to do ARX after work. It was the first time I split the ARX up from the rest of the routine and I was not thrilled about the process. When the two are back to back, it is so much easier to keep pushing myself for just 20 more minutes. Instead, I didn’t really get warmed up until half way through.

Tomorrow I am meeting with a nutritionist to review my P90X diet and overall health. I will be sure to post any good tips i pickup.

Recovery week is over and I and I could not be happier. To celebrate the beginning of phase 2 I have a new workout, Chest, Shoulders and Triceps for my first day of the second phase. This is a great workout and the the exerices are presented in a different pattern. Instead of doing 4 exercises and then repeating, you are pounding through 24 exercises with minimum breaks.

When starting a new workout in the past, I would pace myself to ensure I had enough stamina to finish the workout. Today I pushed it through every exercise not planning for the end. Granted, I was beat for the one handed push ups, I was pleased with my progress. It is a good feeling knowing that I worked hard and made sure I was “Bringing it”.

ARX

It has been over a week since I have been through Ab Ripper X. I forgot how hard this workout was, especially after you pushed it hard through the first workout. I had to hit pause 3 times during this final workout to ensure I got my 339 reps. There may have been a few missed Mason Twists. Overall I am happy with Day 29 and looking forward to tomorrow.

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I am half way through week 3 and I am seeing improvements in all my routines. This morning I was able to do 5 good under hand pull-ups with no chair. This is huge for me because I couldn’t do one 19 days ago! During this routine I was adding weights when Tony gave the option during the different leg exercises. Wall squats are getting a lot better as well. I held all the wall routines for the maximum time, even the leg raises.

Ab Ripper X was a solid workout as usual. In previous ARX routines I would go a little faster than Tony to get a extra rest between sets. It is also easier to get it done quicker. However, there is a reason he sets that pace. It gives you extra resistance and works the muscles harder. Today kept up with the pace of the group. This gave me an extra workout for sure. Learning from previous ARX workouts, I now start some of the exercises while Tony is still explaining. Like the V-up Roll up. I will get  head start and I actually finished with the group today. My form is still shaky on the Side Raises, but overall I am enjoying Ab Ripper X.

Each time I watch the routines, I pick up different things going on in the background. Today I kept laughing every time Drea was denying Eric on the fist bumps. I understand he may not be her favorite person, but can’t he get a little love? I think she rejected him twice and the third time he had to shove his fist in her face to get some recognition. Thank goodness he stuck with it though. Would have looked bad for the video if he gave up on her.

Staying Motivated

It is amazing how just sticking with P90X for 19 days keeps me motivated. There is not even a question about whether or not I am going to get out of bed at 5:15am to workout. My morning routine is very methodical and it is really helping me stay on point. Also, keeping a daily log of my P90X journey is very encouraging. It is good to go back and see my progress. These two things, plus the fact that I am seeing steady improvements have me motivated to keep working hard at the P90X program.